"Lucas Silva is signed and the announcement should be made on Thursday. As of now there is nothing more to wait on. When the athlete wants to go and there's pressure in this business the high salaries in Europe prevail," Rodrigues said.

Silva has been linked with a move to Real, with a number of his Cruzeiro teammates saying in December they expect him to join the Liga club.

Speaking to Superesportes, Miguel Vieira, the player's father, explained that his son's agent called him on Wednesday to confirm Real's interest after AS reported that midfielder Asier Illarramendi could head to Athletic Bilbao on loan.

Miguel Vieira said: "Luiz Rocha [Lucas Silva's agent] called me today and told me that negotiations with Real Madrid are back underway, but he didn't give me any more details.

"We want the best for Lucas and for Cruzeiro. Of course, the situation won't be forced. There was a meeting between the club and the agent and the value remains the same."

He added: "I read that Real Madrid want to sell one of their midfielders and Lucas could be his replacement. That's all I know. Hopefully the offer will come and God will indicate which path to choose."

Rodrigues said the club "will have no problem replacing Lucas."

In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Cruzeiro GM Valdir Barbosa said the club will need to make adjustments after Brazil's new tax code for Financial Fair Play rules take effect.